RDT Presents A Full Show Of William 'Bill' Evans Choreography To Kick Off Holiday Season

Repertory Dance Theatre celebrates the prolific work of world-renowned choreographer, and alumni dancer, William "Bill" Evans on the second concert of their 52nd season of dance, TOP BILL, November 16-18, 2017. Since dancing with RDT from 1967-1974, Evans has choreographed over 90 works, and RDT will present 6 of them on this pre-holiday concert.

Evans is known for his versatility and style and this concert will be no different. TOP BILL features an eclectic range of music from Vivaldi to the 3hattrio plus a tribute to the "King of Swing," Mr. Benny Goodman. East Indian, tap, and electronic rhythms will make this entertaining and nostalgic evening of dance unforgettable for the whole family.

Choreographed in 1970 in honor of Dr. Elizabeth Hayes, former Chair of the Modern Dance Department at the University of Utah, For Betty explores the elements of space as dancers carve through the geometry of an unseen world and bring life to an area and everything within it. The abstract movement becomes a pathway to accentuate human relationships that develop and give texture and meaning to the space.

After performing For Betty in 2013, Erica Womack wrote, "This work, characteristic of 'classical modern dance,' is heavily structured and musical, the dancers entering and exiting with varied linear and curved shapes, frontal jumping sequences, and energy qualities that build and then morph into something new."

Suite Benny honors the "King of Swing," Mr. Benny Goodman with an upbeat, ballroom style piece with four men and six women. Suite Benny brings back the nostalgia of the 1930s and 40s with tunes like "Stompin' at the Savoy" and "Sing, Sing, Sing."

RDT will also revisit the 2015 commission by Evans, Crippled Up Blues. This phenomenal work pairs Evans and Emmy Award-winning musician/folklorist Hal Cannon. Originally premiering on RDT's 50th anniversary season, this piece features "American desert music" created by 3hattrio which acknowledges the cultural traditions of generations who have worked and lived in the deserts of the American southwest. As a native Utahn, Evans brings his artistic sensibility and love for the region into focus around stories of the unique places and people who live here.

The 1982 work, Alternating Current, is a new addition to RDT's repertory. This dramatic and lyrical duet has been called "electrically charged" and "mesmerizing."

Tin-Tal, choreographed in 1974, has been called an "Evans' staple" and is somewhat meditative with its undulations and spins to Indian music by Mahapurush Misra.

To round out the evening, Evans himself will perform, Three Preludes, a tap solo that is sure to bring the house down. Evans, along with Savion Glover and Brenda Bufalino, was named one of the top three tap dancers in the world by a Dance Magazine Readers Poll. His tap dancing is both smooth and elegant while also quick and rhythmic. By using his entire body and not just his tap shoes, his magnetic style and presence on stage is unforgettable.

This entertaining and nostalgic evening holds something for everyone and is the perfect event to kick off the holiday season.

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